Graphic: Half-term report on Elite League leading King’s Lynn Stars

The record-breaking King’s Lynn Stars started the second half of their 2014 season at Wolverhampton Wolves last night (53-37 victory). GAVIN CANEY looks back, and forward, on what has been a memorable start to a term which still promises so much. Which riders have excelled the most during the club’s history-making 14-match winning run? And who perhaps needs to up their game as we head towards the crucial play-offs? Our speedway reporter delves into the stats to give his opinion at the midway stage.

By his own sublime standards, suffered a dip in form at the end of May. But has still chalked up three full maximums as well as top-scoring in nine of his 17 appearances. A true genuine world-class number one.

8.5

Nicklas Porsing

Appearances: 16

Races: 67

Points: 106

Bonus points: 12

Race wins: 20

Full maximums: 1

Best score: 15 (from 5)

Starting average: 3.51

Current average: 7.04

The 21-year-old Dane took a while to really get going. However, has chipped in with some impressive scores as he gets used to speedway in the UK. Faultless maximum against Lakeside showed his undoubted potential.

7.5

Rory Schlein

Appearances: 18

Races: 83

Points: 138

Bonus points: 22

Race wins: 16

Full maximums: 0

Best score: 14+1 (from 6)

Starting average: 6.84

Current average: 7.71

Australian struggled last season but has grown in stature this term since being made captain. Fantastic team rider, great man about the pits, and his scores have improved. Hasn’t missed a meeting either.

8

Robert Lambert

Appearances: 17

Races: 70

Points: 93

Bonus points: 12

Race wins: 15

Full maximums: 0

Best score: 8+1 (from 4)

Starting average: 3.00

Current average: 6.00

The 16-year-old took a brave move to go straight into the main body of the team. It’s paid off as he’s more than held his own. Some excellent race wins have shown why many think he will be a future world champion.

7.5

Kenneth Bjerre

Appearances: 12

Races: 54

Points: 98

Bonus points: 11

Race wins: 21

Full maximums: 0

Best score: 14+1 (from 5)

Starting average: 8.45

Current average: 8.07

Heat leader was the main man for four meetings in a row, scoring two paid maximums. But broken collarbone saw him miss a string of meetings. Has struggled, understandably, upon his return.

7

Lewis Rose

Appearances: 14

Races: 52

Points: 57

Bonus points: 12

Race wins: 7

Full maximums: 0

Best score: 8+2 (from 4)

Starting average: N/A

Current average: N/A

The other half of ‘Team Lewis’ should be proud of how he has adapted to the top flight. The inexperienced rider has chipped in with some valuable points while his fellow reserve Lewis Kerr has stolen the limelight.

7

Lewis Kerr

Appearances: 16

Races: 73

Points: 149

Bonus points: 19

Race wins: 30

Full maximums: 0

Best score: 13+2 (from 5)

Starting average: N/A

Current average: N/A

A match-winner at reserve. Although Kerr is more protected at six or seven than he would have used to be, the Heacham rider has still delivered the goods. Gating superbly and smashing in some massive scores.